During the HCMA Membership Dinner on September 19, 2023, Dr. Joel Silverfield was awarded the HCMA Outstanding Physician Award. Dr. Silverfield is a internal medicine physician and rheumatologist with Baycare Medical Group in Tampa, who also published an article on his award ceremony and accomplishments in his professional career.

Dr. Silverfield obtained his medical degree from Emory University and completed his followship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.  He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, Florida Society of Rheumatology, and the Florida Medical Association. 

He first became involved by serving as the Chairman of HCMA’s Public Service Committee in 1987. 35 years later, he was installed as the 118th President of the HCMA.  

He represents that rare physician leader who managed to establish two separate but parallel paths to serve the House of Medicine - one as a young, eager physician early in his career, then later as a seasoned physician after many years of medical experience.

His outstanding leadership shined before, during, and after his HCMA presidency. He led the Association with enthusiasm and was instrumental in the many decisions made during a time of uncertainty and pandemic challenges. He believes in the importance of not losing one’s focus, in honesty and obligation, and in making rational decisions that are in the best interest of the Association’s members and the physicians in our communities. 

He continues his involvement at the local level, as well as the state level by serving as an HCMA Delegate to the FMA.  He was also elected this year to serve on the HCMA Board of Trustees, another four-year commitment after his tenure ended.  The HCMA was and is very fortunate to have a leader with such diligence and dedication to medicine.  

His professionalism, demeanor, sagacity, and wit speak for themselves. 

Congratulations, Dr. Silverfield!

During the HCMA Membership Dinner on September 19, 2023, Dr. Haywood Brown was awarded the Frederick A. Reddy M.D. Memorial Award. The Frederick A. Reddy M.D. Memorial Award was established in 2006 in honor of Dr. Reddy who exemplified the belief of giving back to society. His dedication to medicine, community service, social justice, and the youth of Tampa Bay was recognized and admired by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. 

After serving as the F. Bayard Carter Professor and Chairman at Duke University Medical Center for many years, Dr. Haywood Brown joined USF and the Morsani College of Medicine in 2018.  He serves as vice president for institutional equity at USF and associate dean for diversity for the Morsani College of Medicine.  Dr. Brown has served in numerous local and national leadership positions including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, serving as President in 2017.  He is past president of the American Gynecological Obstetrical Society and past Obstetrics and Gynecology Section Chair for the National Medical Association.  Dr. Brown’s leadership also includes the NIH DC Initiative on Infant Mortality and the HSRA Perinatal and Patient Safety Collaboration.

A significant portion of his career’s work has addressed health inequities by focusing on infant mortality and perinatal maternal safety and mortality, particularly among traditionally underserved populations. Similarly, throughout his career, he has served as mentor and advisor to countless students across the education continuum from children and teens to medical students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Brown’s influence on those underrepresented in the medical field and the socioeconomically disadvantaged is significant.  He continues to work with several pathway programs specifically targeting these groups with hopes of increasing the applicant pool - not only to medical school but all health professions schools.  As an accomplished clinician, administrator, and educator whose contributions span over three decades, Dr. Haywood Brown has impacted countless lives. 

Congratulations, Dr. Brown!

Students, staff, and faculty gathered at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) to celebrate the class of 2023 medical students and educators at the 2023 USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Student and Faculty Awards Ceremony.  The awards ceremony is a culmination of four years of medical school recognizing the scholarly achievements and commitment to excellence in and out of the hospital.

“These past four years the faculty and staff have watched as you learned the skills to become a great clinician,” said Kira Zwygart, MD, MCOM associate dean for student affairs.  “Later this week will be the last momentous occasion for you as a medical student.  But for now, let’s celebrate the experiences we have shared together.”

The class of 2023 will come to the end of their medical school journey at their commencement ceremony May 11.

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Who said engineering and neuroscience aren’t good bedfellows?

Two University of South Florida professors are proof that disparate disciplines can work together for a common cause – gaining a better understanding of a common health emergency.

Ashwin Parthasarathy, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Maxim Mokin, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, are collaborating on a device that could help prevent strokes in patients during surgery.

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John Sinnott, MD, will step down July 1 from his role as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Dr. Sinnott will continue service as the James Cullison Professor of Medicine.  Harry Van Loveren, MD, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, will serve as the interim chair as a national search for a new chair of Internal Medicine takes place.

Dr. Sinnott leaves behind a legacy as a renowned physician and dynamic teacher and mentor.  During his 10-year run as chair of USF Health’s largest department, he has ushered in a culture that has helped the department achieve unprecedented growth and achievement.  Three internal medicine divisions are nationally ranked among the top 50 for Tampa General Hospital by U.S. News and World Report.  The department has accumulated $46.4 million in NIH funding, placing them 35th nationally by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.

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Excitement, anticipation, a few tears of joy were all part of the experience at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute today as the medical students of the Class of 2027 celebrated their first official day of class.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, sorted through more than 5,500 applicants to the select 182 of the best and brightest candidates representing a wide variety of backgrounds including (unique prior careers). This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% from those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine (URM). The life experiences and previous careers of the class are equally diverse with students who were NCAA athletes, weightlifters, gardeners, and musicians.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, gave a presentation on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities. He said whether in medical school or as a practicing physician, obstacles will be a mainstay in health care. Knowing how to navigate those obstacles will be the difference between success and failure in medical school, and positive patient outcomes as a physician.

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Emily Heideman was presented with the Chairman’s Medical Student Recognition Program award by the Florida Board of Medicine during the Board’s meeting held June 2 in Tampa, Florida. 

Charles Lockwood, MD, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, nominated Heideman for the award.

The nomination, approved by Scot Ackerman MD, chair of the Florida Board of Medicine, serves as a testament to Heideman’s exceptional medical and social competence and skillfulness.

In recognizing Heideman, the Board noted how she consistently exhibits the highest moral and ethical character, sets an example for her peers and colleagues, and is dedicated to continuous learning and pursuit of knowledge, making her a true inspiration and aspirant for others.

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